U.S. patent application number 11/266466 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-25 for rack for securing a vehicle.
Invention is credited to Gregory Alan Gay.
Application Number | 20060108297 11/266466 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36459989 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060108297 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gay; Gregory Alan |
May 25, 2006 |
Rack for securing a vehicle
Abstract
A cycle rack is provided for securing and transporting cycles
particularly motorcycles. The rack includes a base and an upward
support. In addition, the rack includes a pair of partially
circular clamping members which are sized and positioned to engage
the sidewalls of a cycle's tire. Preferably, the clamping members
extend circumferentially at least 90 degrees about a circle. Even
more preferably, the clamping members extend 180 degrees or more
about a circle. To move the clamping members relative to one
another, the rack preferably includes a pair of fulcrum assemblies.
Each of the fulcrum assemblies include a lever arm which is moved
downwardly to force the clamping members towards each other, while
the lever arms are moved upwardly to force the clamping members
away from one another.
Inventors: |
Gay; Gregory Alan;
(Huntington Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DRUMMOND & DUCKWORTH;Suite 500
4590 MacArthur Blvd.
Newport Beach
CA
92660
US
|
Family ID: |
36459989 |
Appl. No.: |
11/266466 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60626069 |
Nov 9, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/20 ; 224/405;
224/570 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62H 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/020 ;
224/405; 224/570 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00 |
Claims
1. a rack for securing a vehicle comprising: a frame including a
base for resting upon a support surface; a first partial circular
clamping member connected to said frame, said first circular
clamping member extending at least 90 degrees about the circle and
sized to engage the sidewall of a vehicular tire; a second partial
circular clamping member positioned substantially parallel to said
first clamping member and moveably connected to said frame so as to
move inward and outward relative to said first clamping member for
clamping and releasing a tire between said first and second
clamping members, said second circular clamping member also
extending at least 90 degrees about the circle and sized to engage
the sidewall of a vehicular tire; and a locking means for moving
said first and second clamping members inward and outward with
respect to one another for clamping and releasing a vehicular
tire.
2. The rack of claim 1 wherein said clamping means wherein said
first clamping member is not moveable relative to said frame and
said second clamping member is moveable relative to said frame for
clamping and releasing a tire between said first and second
clamping members
3. The rack of claim 1 wherein said clamping means includes a
fulcrum and lever arm.
4. A rack for securing a vehicle comprising: a frame including a
base for resting upon a support surface; a first partial or fully
circular clamping member connected to said frame, said first
circular clamping member extending at least 180 degrees about the
circle and sized to engage the sidewall of a vehicular tire; a
second partial or fully circular clamping member positioned
substantially parallel to said first clamping member and moveably
connected to said frame so as to move inward and outward relative
to said first clamping member for clamping and releasing a tire
between said first and second clamping members, said second
circular clamping member also extending at least 180 degrees about
the circle and sized to engage the sidewall of a vehicular tire;
and a locking means for moving said first and second clamping
members inward and outward with respect to one another for clamping
and releasing a vehicular tire.
5. The rack of claim 4 wherein said clamping means wherein said
first clamping member is not moveable relative to said frame and
said second clamping member is moveable relative to said frame for
clamping and releasing a tire between said first and second
clamping members
6. The rack of claim 4 wherein said clamping means includes a
fulcrum and lever arm.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to racks for
supporting vehicles. More particularly, the present invention
relates to an apparatus for securing and supporting cycles, such as
motorcycles and bicycles. The present invention further relates to
a device for locking the wheels of a cycle and supporting such
cycle for storage, maintenance or transportation.
[0002] Hauling motorcycles has never been a particularly simple or
easy task. In the past, various attempts have been made including
employing special trailers which are bulky, heavy and require a
license to tow behind a car or truck. In the alternative,
motorcycles have been pushed up ramps onto the beds of a pick-up
truck for transport. Unfortunately, devices for supporting the
motorcycle in the back of a pick-up have included simple ropes or
straps which make the transport of the cycle a risky undertaking.
Moreover, the installation of such straps and other similar devices
are time-consuming to secure upon the front wheel of a cycle. In
addition, novices not used to carrying motorcycles in the beds of
their pick-up truck typically face high anxiety as they are
provided no instruction or education as to what amount of straps is
sufficient to properly secure their motorcycle.
[0003] Recently, devices capable of lifting one wheel of a
motorcycle off the ground for towing behind a car or truck have
been developed. Unfortunately, such devices rely on the
motorcycle's front fork pivoting in order to negotiate turns which
places unwanted stress upon the front fork of the motorcycle.
Moreover, these devices are not accepted by most motorcycle
manufacturers because the towing arrangement forces the belt,
chain, drive shaft and/or gears to turn without adequate
lubrication. Since the motorcycle engine must be running to
lubricate these parts, damage can be done utilizing such towing
constructions. There are also several bicycle racks on the market
which suffer from a variety of deficiencies. For example, many
bicycle racks require that the front wheel be removed in order to
secure the bicycle to the rack. This construction provides the
disadvantage associated with removing the wheel and the problem
with where to store it. Of course, such constructions are typically
not appropriate for storing a motorcycle as removal of the front
wheel of a motorcycle is a much more difficult procedure.
[0004] There are also a variety of devices for transporting
motorcycles and bicycles which lift the cycle off the ground for
transportation behind a car or truck. Such a construction is shown
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,084,736. Unfortunately, these lifting racks are
cumbersome and mechanically intricate devices. The constructions
are expensive to build and often difficult to disassemble, so they
cannot be stored easily when not in use.
[0005] Thus, there is a significant need for a rack for supporting
cycles, such as motorcycles and bicycles.
[0006] Preferably, the rack would be suitable for supporting a
cycle within the bed of a pick-up truck.
[0007] Even more preferable, the rack would be lightweight, easy to
use and inexpensive to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Briefly, in accordance with the invention, I provide a rack
for securing and transporting cycles, particularly motorcycles and
bicycles. The rack includes a frame and a pair of circular clamping
members which are sized to engage and secure the wheel of a
vehicle.
[0009] The frame includes a base for resting upon a flat surface.
In addition, the frame includes an upright support. The base and
upright support include any number of horizontal, vertical and
lateral beams for providing a sufficiently stiff frame for
supporting the cycle to be supported.
[0010] The clamping members are substantially "C" shaped and have a
substantially circular form with an open end to form a partial
circle. The circular clamping members are positioned parallel to
one another and are connected to the rack's frame. Preferably,
though not necessarily, one of the clamping members is fixed firmly
in place and is immovable relative to the frame. Meanwhile,
preferably the second clamping member is moveably connected to the
frame so as to move inward and outward relative to the first
clamping member so as to be able to clamp and release a vehicular
tire.
[0011] To moveably connect the second clamping member to the frame,
the rack of the present invention further include a series of
linkages which may take various forms. However, in a preferred
embodiment, the second clamping member is affixed to the frame in
two places by sliding support members. The sliding support members
are preferably welded directly to the second clamping member at one
end. Meanwhile, the sliding support members are slidably attached
to the frame by brackets having a slot extending in the direction
that the clamping member moves. The support members are affixed to
the slotted bracket utilizing a nut and bolt combination, or
similar fastener, that allows the support members to slidably
connect to the slotted brackets.
[0012] To force the second clamping member inward and outward
relative to the first clamping member, the rack of the present
invention includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may
take various forms as can be determined by those skilled in the
art. However, a preferred locking mechanism includes a pair of
fulcrum assemblies which are connected both to the rack's frame and
to the clamping members. The fulcrum assemblies preferably include
a lever arm which pivotally attaches to the frame so that rotation
of the lever arm causes the second clamping member to move inward
and outward relative to the first clamping member.
[0013] In operation, the tire of a cycle, such as the front tire of
a motorcycle, is positioned between the two circular clamping
members. The lever arms are rotated so as to force the clamping
members together so as to engage and compress the tire of the
cycle. To release the tire, the lever arms are rotated in opposite
direction to force the clamping members apart so as to disengage
the sidewalls of the cycle's tire.
[0014] Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
rack for the carrying and transporting cycles.
[0015] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide a cycle rack which is inexpensive to manufacture and simple
to use.
[0016] It is still an additional object of the present invention to
provide a cycle rack which can be used within the bed of a pick-up
truck.
[0017] These and other specific objects and advantages of the
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a
review of the following detailed description taken in conjunction
with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cycle rack of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cycle rack of the
present invention illustrating its operation in securing the tire
of a cycle;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the cycle rack of
the present invention securing a cycle within the bed of a pick-up
truck;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a front view of the cycle rack of the present
invention with the clamping members positioned in a non-clamping
condition; and
[0022] FIG. 5 is a front view of the cycle rack of the present
invention with the clamping members positioned in a clamping
condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] While the present invention is susceptible to embodiment in
various forms, as shown in the drawings, hereinafter will be
described the presently preferred embodiment of the invention with
the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered
as an exemplification of the invention and it is not intended to
limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.
[0024] With reference to the figures, the cycle rack 1 of the
present invention includes a pair of partially circular clamping
members 21 and 23 which are supported by a frame 3. The clamping
members may be any size in diameter. However, it is preferred that
the clamping members have the same size and diameter and that they
be positioned parallel to one another. Moreover, it is also
desirable that each of the clamping members be constructed in the
form of a partial circle having an opening so as to appear
substantially "C" shaped. In addition, it is preferred that the
clamping members be sized to engage the sidewall of a tire to be
supported. Thus, a cycle rack of the present invention for
supporting a bicycle would have clamping members much smaller than
a cycle rack intended to support a motorcycle.
[0025] The partially circular clamping members may also extend
circumferentially from just a few degrees around the circle to 360
degrees about a circle. However, it had been found that clamping
members of less than 90 degrees suffers from significant
deficiencies in securing a tire. Accordingly, it is preferred that
the clamping members of the present invention extend
circumferentially at least 90 degrees about a circle. Moreover, it
has been found that clamping members extending more than 180
degrees are even more preferable for grasping and securely affixing
a cycle's tire. Accordingly, it is preferred that the clamping
members extend 180 degrees or more circumferentially around the
circle. Preferably, the clamping members do not extend 360 degrees
about a circle as the clamping members would interfere with a
cycle's front fork.
[0026] The cycle rack's frame 3 may be constructed in various
manners as can be determined by those skilled in the art in order
to maintain the clamping members vertically parallel to one another
and allow the clamping members to move horizontally so as to grasp
a cycle's wheel. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the preferred frame 3
includes a plurality of horizontal 9, vertical 11 and lateral 13
beams. The various beams form the frame's base 5 which is intended
to grasp or mount to any flat surface such as within a garage or
upon the bed of a pick-up truck (as shown in FIG. 3). The various
horizontal, vertical and lateral beams also form an upright support
7 which can be affixed or placed against any vertical surface such
as the wall formed behind the cab of a pick-up truck. To facilitate
affixing the frame 3 to vertical or horizontal surfaces, preferably
the lateral beams 13 include one or more attachment holes 17 sized
for receipt of fasteners, such as rivets or bolts.
[0027] As would be understood by those skilled in the art, both
clamping members 21 and 23 may be moveable within the horizontal
plane relative to the frame for grasping a tire. However, as shown
in the figures, it is preferred that a first clamping member 21 is
welded or permanently affixed to the frame with no lateral
movement. Meanwhile, the second clamping member 23 is preferably
moveably connected to the frame so as to move laterally inward or
outward relative to the first clamping member 21 for clamping and
releasing a tire therebetween. To provide lateral movement, the
rack of the present invention preferably includes a pair of
brackets 29 having internal slots 31. The rack further includes
horizontal and vertical support members 25 and 27 which extend from
the clamping member 23 to slidably engage brackets 29. The
horizontal and vertical support members 25 and 27 slidably connect
to the brackets 29 using standard nut and bolt fasteners which
allow the support members to rotatably and slidably engage the
brackets.
[0028] Various constructions can be utilized to control movement
and locking of the clamping members relative to one another. As
shown in the figures, a preferred mechanism, though not necessarily
the only mechanism, includes a pair of fulcrum assemblies 33 and 41
which cause the second clamping member 23 to slide laterally inward
or outward relative to first clamping member 21. A first fulcrum
assembly includes a pair of brackets 35, a tension member 39 and a
lever arm 37. As understood by those skilled in the art, rotation
of the lever arm in a downward manner, as shown in FIG. 2 and 5,
causes the upper portion of the second clamping member 23 to move
inwardly toward clamping member 21. Conversely, rotation of the
lever arm in opposite direction, such as shown in FIG. 4, causes
the upper portion of the second clamping member 23 to move away
from the first clamping member 21.
[0029] Again with reference to FIGS. 1-5, the cycle racks second
fulcrum assembly 41 is positioned to rest upon the base 5. The
second fulcrum assembly 41 includes a bracket 43, a compression
member 47 and a lever arm 45. As understood by those skilled in the
art, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, depression of lever arm 45
forces compression member 47, vertical support 27, and
correspondingly, the bottom portion of the clamping member 23 to
move laterally inward towards the first clamping member 21.
Conversely, movement of the lever arm upwardly in reverse manner
causes the compression member 47, vertical support 27 and bottom
portion of the second clamping member 23 to move laterally away
from the first clamping member 21.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, in operation, the lever arms 37 and 45
are moved upwardly so as to force parallel clamping members 21 and
23 away from each other. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tire 51 of
a cycle 49 is then rolled and positioned between the clamping
members so that the clamping members engage the tire's sidewalls.
Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the lever arms 37 and 45 are
depressed downwardly to force the clamping members towards each
other so as to clamp and secure the vehicle's tire.
[0031] Although particular preferred embodiments of the invention
have been described herein, it is to be understood that variations
may be made in the construction, materials and shape of the cycle
rack without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Having described the invention in such terms to enable those
skilled in the art to make and use it, and having identified the
presently preferred embodiments thereof, I claim:
* * * * *